Stable carbon isotope composition and intrinsic water use efficiency in plants along an altitudinal gradient on the eastern slope of Yulong Snow Mountain, China

Abstract Background Stable carbon isotope composition (δ 13 C p ) can be used to estimate the changes in intrinsic water use efficiency (iWUE) in plants, which helps us to better understand plants’ response strategies to climate change. This study focused on the variations in δ 13 C p and iWUE for the different life-form plants (i.e., herbs, shrubs, and trees) along an altitudinal gradient (3300, 3600, 3900, 4100, 4300, and 4500 m) on the eastern slope of Yulong Snow Mountain, southeastern margin of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The response mechanisms of δ 13 C p and iWUE for different life-form plants to altitude were thoroughly analyzed in this mountain ecosystem. Results The δ 13 C p values of plants on the eastern slopes of Yulong Snow Mountain ranged from − 30.4‰ to − 26.55‰, with a mean of − 28.02‰, indicating a dominance of C 3 plants. The δ 13 C p and iWUE values varied among different life-form plants in the order of herbs > shrubs > trees, particularly in 3600, 3900, and 4300 m. The δ 13 C p and iWUE values for herbs and shrubs increased with altitude and were mainly controlled by air temperature. The two parameters for trees exhibited a trend of initial decrease followed by an increase with altitude. Below 3900 m, the δ 13 C p and iWUE values decreased with altitude, influenced by soil moisture. However, above 3900 m, the two parameters increased with altitude, mainly regulated by air temperature. In addition, iWUE was positively correlated with leaf P content but negatively correlated with leaf N:P ratio, especially for herbs and trees, suggesting that P plays a key role in modulating iWUE in this region. Conclusions The differentiated responses of water availability for different life-form plants to a higher altitudinal gradient are regulated by air temperature, soil moisture, and leaf P content in the Yulong Snow Mountain. These results provide valuable insights into understanding the water–carbon relationships in high-altitude ecosystems.